I need suggestions for climbers

Posted on 6 Feb, 2008 4 comments

I would like to buy some climbing or rambling roses that will cover my new pergolas as quickly as possible.
The conditions here in Hungary are different to UK, but many folk do grow roses. Our soil is very light and sandy and we have extremes of temperature, between -20C and +40C.
I already have three climbers on an older arch and they are not growing fast enough, 2 years and only about 1 metre high max, in fact 2 of them are probably 0.5 metre.
Which varieties are likely to do best? I would like ones that flower all summer as well of course.

Comments

Spritzhenry

Paul's Scarlet does that, it's a repeat flowerer. Of course, it's red! lol. I also have 'New Dawn' which is pale pink. I put in a thornless one last year - Zepherine Drouhin - which is a deep pink. My others only flower once, I'm afraid. Hope this helps - I really can't guarantee success as your temp. variations are SOOOO wide, I am really surprised that anything survives the winter and/or the heat (including you, Chris!). Maybe that's the reason why the others haven't made headway as yet.

7 Feb, 2008

Maple

Zepherine Drouhin is beautiful. A very old variety of rose (one of the Bourbon roses) which grows well in extremes of temperature. They grow all over France in weather variations like you have Chris so it might be a good choice. Lucky you having one Spritz - I do like the Bourbon roses

7 Feb, 2008

Spritzhenry

I had one years ago back in Kent, so I knew it well when it came to choosing a rose to climb up our very old apple tree. The one that was there was half dead and not save-able, It only managed two small manky-looking pinkish flowers - so out it went! The dead 'strands' were extremely prickly! I did re-plant in a different place at the other side of the tree - I know you're not supposed to plant roses in the same place.

7 Feb, 2008